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Scotts "Big D" Tour Aotearoa.

  • Seven day extension.

      30 April 2023
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    There has been a request to extend closing this givealittle page for seven days. It was due to close today.

    My update;

    It's already been two weeks today since completing the Tour Aotearoa cycle challenge.

    I got to spend two precious days with Tayla and Jake (Darryl and Debbie's daughter and son) and their respective families in Southland. Even got a farm tour form my great nephew Hudson in their ute 👶 before flying home.

    The next five days were spent resting 😴 my body!

    My bike was discarded in the corner of the shed for this time 😄

    I did give it a birthday last Sunday and have ridden every morning Monday through Friday) on our normal route in New Plymouth. This is 45km every morning, starting at 5.30am and end with a coffee stop ☕️😀

    This will be my morning routine through to at least spring.

    Have been overwhelmed with everyone's generosity and genuine interest and support for this givealittle page and the ride. 👏 🫶 🙌

    No brain explosions 🤯 yet on what, if anything I'll attempt next time 🤔🫣😉

    I will do a final post next Sunday before closing off page.

    Love to all ❤️

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  • 🏁🏁🏁

      17 April 2023
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    Finished 😃

    Rolled into Bluff yesterday afternoon. The decision was made to do one last hill, "Bluff Hill" before the finish line 🥵

    Who's crazy idea that was needs punishment 😆

    Thank you everyone who supported us and donated along the way. The givealittle page will be open until the end of the month. I have donations to enter that have been given to us along the way. Big love to you all ❤️

    Lastly, if my journey gives inspiration to just one person to get out and do something new in life, then this would be the ultimate reward for me 🪙

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    • 17/04/2023 by Deb

      Well done team. Great effort. So proud of you. What a great journey, something that will never be forgotten.

  • D day!

      16 April 2023
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    Darryl would have been right in his happy place today.

    One day to go.

    Today has been a day of reflection.

    ❤️

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    • 16/04/2023 by Deb

      Scott, Darryl would be so so proud of you. He is with you every peddle of the way. We are all proud of you, doing this Journey for Darryl and yourself. Has been amazing to see you travel the most beautiful country, you will never forget it. The incredible photos you have shared. Also raising money for yours and Darryls Charity, IHC. Can't wait for you to get home and celebrate. Well done. xx

  • Autumn 🍂 is here.

      15 April 2023
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    Unbelievable couple of days from Wanaka, Arrowtown and Queenstown. Stunning weather and views.

    Body just hanging in there 🥴😉

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  • Over the hill.

      14 April 2023
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    Well yesterday was a big day for us. 153km in total. Very sore and tired 🥱 last night.

    We are well over 2000km now, with less than 1000km to go 😃

    Queenstown bond today, via the Crown 👑 Range.

    Starting to almost smell Bluff Oysters 😋

    Three big days to go 🚵‍♂️🚵‍♀️

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    • 14/04/2023 by Deb

      Well done Scott. WOW 3 more days. You have trained so hard for this journey, and we know how much this means to you. We are all very proud of you back home here in Taranaki and cheering you on every day. It has been amazing following you through this, from the top, too you nearly being at the bottom to bluff. Can't wait to celebrate with you when your back home. xx

      PS: Would love some bluff oysters lol.

  • Y!

      13 April 2023
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    A busy day riding from Fox to Haast.

    The roads were busy. Full of traffic, support vehicles, supporters and at a guss about 100 other charity bike riders (riding their own event). Most of which, like me, were in a lot of discomfort and pain by the end of the each day 😩

    So "Y" do we do it?

    The truth is, every rider will have their own reasons. My reasons are different from the next, and so on.

    I think the umbrella over every riders personal reasons is the opportunity to give back. Whatever the physical, mental, financial and personal cost to us as individuals.

    If you ever want inspiration, then next time you see someone raising money for charity, just take the time and ask them for their story, as some will blow your mind 🤯

    ❤️

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  • The Wild Wet-Coast ⛈️🌧🌧🤠

      12 April 2023
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    Day 25.

    Ross to Fox.

    With the West Coast Wilderness Trail complete, it's now time to charge down the west coast to Haast.

    Rain was the order of the day, which was a shame as l know this is a beautiful part of the country.

    With the wet weather, brings a very tender backside. Hopefully weather is set to clear as could create a serious issue 😬.

    Thanks again to all my donors and supporters. If you are happy to share my givealittle and Facebook pages to help promote the cause, please feel free to do so 🙏👍❤️❤️❤️

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  • Day 23. Ikamatua to Kamara.

      9 April 2023
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    Well l haven't posted for a few days. Between feeling lousy with headaches, sore Lower back and minimal downtime, l can now say l'm back in the game, feeling much better 😀

    The riding has been amazing all the same. "Big River" and "Maruia Saddle" done over last three days. Some of the most technical riding l have done. Walking was the order of the day at times.

    Today seen us start on "Wilderness Trail".

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    • 10/04/2023 by Deb

      Well done Scott.

      Been some amazing photos you have shared from your ride, and locations. This country is amazing.

  • Running repairs!

      6 April 2023
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    Self repair kit.

    Well it was always going to happen, body blow-out 🤕😄

    It's done pretty good to last this long to be honest. Hoping to be saved by a lay-day today. Spending the day in Murchison while Chris and Kara attend Chris's mothers 90th birthday 🎂

    Backs been playing up since Pipiriki taking bike lock off bikes 🤦

    It's been a great day to reflect on the journey this far. Heading to Reefton tomorrow 🚴‍♀️👨‍🦽😆

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  • 100k Birthday 🎂

      4 April 2023
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    That's 100 cycling kilometers 🤷 not💲😁

    It's been a pretty awesome day to be honest. 1000m of climbing before morning tea, 1680m for the day over 105km. Weather was perfect.

    ❤️ And yes, it's my birthday 🤗

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    • 05/04/2023 by Deb

      Well done Scott.

      Happy birthday xx.

      Proud if you.

    • 05/04/2023 by Deb

      Proud of you xx

  • Back on track?

      2 April 2023
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    After our Thursdays ferry crossing being canceled due to strong winds, we are currently midway across the cook straight on the interislander. The two day delay allowed me to sneak home and surprise Mum and Dad for the 60th Wedding Anniversary lunch party. It was an emotional time for our family, being ten years since Darryl's passing. We had a great time all the same, and was a special time to catch up with a number of friends and family not seen for a time.

    We start peddling again tomorrow 🚲

    🙂

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  • 60th Wedding Anniversary

      30 March 2023
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    Just want to give big loves and a shout out to My Mum and Dad. It's there 60th Wedding Anniversary today. Sorry I couldn't make it. Love always xx ❤️

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  • Facing challenges head on. 🌬🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️

      30 March 2023
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    The weather has been tough to deal with over the last couple of days. Strong southerly winds making sections of riding along main roads unsafe with cross winds wanting to blow us into the traffic. Still managed to get to Petone tonight, not quite the ferry terminal as hoped. So fifteen odd km to do in morning and that will be the north island complete, before seeing if/when we can get across cook straight.

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  • Military operation! 🪖

      29 March 2023
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    Whanganui through to Pahiatua.

    Other than the riding, one of the biggest challenges l have faced on this tour is staying in contact with friends and family and updating social media. Between long days in the saddle, daily duties and trying to keep my eyes open at night, the day/s just go. So apologies for Intermittent posts.

    We have covered good ground over the last couple of days, admittedly the body is pretty sore.

    Hoping to hit Wellington ferry terminal on Thursday afternoon. Hopefully they will be sailing ⛵️

    Seeing the military vehicles in Huntersville reminded me of Darryl and his time spent doing his Territorial training when he was younger. Darryl told me some stories and the trouble he caused while trying to have a laugh. Apparently the military does not appreciate humor 🫡🤭

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    • 30/03/2023 by Deb

      That was so appropriate that day. Was great to share acouple of days with you following your route. Your doing a great job Scott. Some of those gravel roads are massive with lots of corners a big climbs. Well done. Xx

  • Mud, sweet and tears 😢

      26 March 2023
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    Well we have traversed the central North Island.

    This included hydro trails, timber trail and muddy trails, and the bridge to nowhere and a jet boat ride to top it off.

    No cell reception through the majority of the last three days. So hopefully the photos tell the story.

    This section also marked ten years since my Brother Darryl passed.

    R.I.P Big D 🌠

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  • Day 4.

      19 March 2023
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    Today was a great day. A mixture of gravel and sealed roads. Great scenery including riding through Opononi to Tane Mahuta, and the gracious Waipoua Kauri Forest.

    Photo of me with one of the riding trio at base of Tane Mahuta.

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  • Day 3.

      17 March 2023
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    20km short of km target today due to camping options 🏕 So we have settled at Rawene. So extended target tomorrow 😬🥵😃

    Thanks to all who are supporting the cause, your generosity has been very humbling. ❤️

    Me bike been feeling left out, so photo attached 😃

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    • 18/03/2023 by Deb

      Great photo. Best of luck today. Extra kms be a big day.

  • Day 2.

      16 March 2023
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    Two days in already. Between, no service, riding time, page setup and daily duties, it been hard to get in a decent post.

    Day 1.

    20.7km

    This was basically a warm-up and bike check, to ensure everything was ready to go.

    We struck a beautiful day at Cape Reinga to kick off the journey. I am riding with two others, Kara and Keith who are also raising funds for charity.

    Day 2. (Today)

    91.2km

    This ride took us down through Te Paki Stream, and out onto nighty mile beach. Turning left, we rode all the way down to Ahipara for the night.

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    • 17/03/2023 by Deb

      Well done Scott. Amazing journey ahead.

    • 17/03/2023 by Deb

      Love the photo